P RESENTATION TO EEC A DVISORY C OUNCIL January 18, 2013 “Everyone needs a place that is furnished with Hope” -- Maya Angelou -- Maya Angelou

B ACKGROUND ON F ACILITIES I NVENTORY Review of 182 ECE & OST sites Random sample of non-profit centers All programs had children on EEC subsidy Standards developed by 22 member Advisory working with Wellesley Centers for Research Field visits done by OnSite Insight Report released October 2011

O UTREACH DURING meetings across the state Distributed copies of report Conducted legislator visits to centers PR: 18 articles, blogs, etc. Presented to EEC Board Met with Commissioner Killins, Secretary Reville, Secretary Bialecki

P OSITIVE F INDINGS Most sites met 80% of regulatory standards Most sites met 50% of professional standards (accreditation & preliminary QRIS) Most sites met 50% of best practice standards

K EY C ONCERNS Building code12-17% Classrooms without windows20% Indoor air quality22% Lack adult workspace22% Thermal comfort34% Lack active play space54% Lack technology for teachers65% Lack classroom sinks70%

U NDER - INVESTMENT IN F ACILITIES Substandard space is the norm Lack of resources in program budgets Competing demands: teacher pay, rates Few have experience working in good settings Good space is a critical factor in program quality Supports meaningful interactions Supports parent engagement Supports staff professionalism, morale, & commitment

Funding Source Total Funding Pool Eligibility Center Match # of Projects Connecticut School Readiness Act 1997 Revenue bond financing 30 year term $4 M per year $94 M since 1997 Nonprofit ECE in high need areas 20% children Illinois Early Childhood Construction Act Grants 2011 State funded capital grants $5 M limit $45 M – Nonprofit ECE or public schools in high need areas 10% TBD – new program Pennsylvania Child Care Challenge Grants State funded capital grants $1 M limit 1 st Year, $500K 2 nd & 3 rd Year $30 M Nonprofit ECE In high need areas 25% children C APITAL F UNDING IN O THER S TATES

T HE B UILDING Q UALITY C AMPAIGN Goal is to secure $45 M public bond financing for ECE & OST facility improvements Partnership with United Way of MA Bay & Merrimack Valley CHAPA to include our request in its 2013 Housing & Community Development Bond Bill Children’s Investment will also file a separate placeholder request

E LIGIBILITY Eligible expenses: acquisition, design & planning, site development, construction Eligible borrowers: licensed non- profit providers serving 25% children on subsidy Financing to range from % of the total development costs, based on # of subsidy-eligible children

D EFERRED P AYMENT L OANS Permanent deferred payment loan for a term of 30 years Extensions may be granted for successive terms as long as the provider continues to serve eligible children

D EVELOPING C OALITION Various ECE & OST advocacy groups Meeting with legislators Seeking endorsements for the bill

“It (the facility) is a place where children and staff spend long hours each day; where routine needs are met; where relationships develop, skills are learned, abilities are enhanced and attitudes toward school and learning are formed. For all these things to happen well, program planners must carefully design the physical environment and pay attention to the quality of the space and its systems.” “It (the facility) is a place where children and staff spend long hours each day; where routine needs are met; where relationships develop, skills are learned, abilities are enhanced and attitudes toward school and learning are formed. For all these things to happen well, program planners must carefully design the physical environment and pay attention to the quality of the space and its systems.” Ritchie R, Willer, B. eds. Physical Environment: A Guide to the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standard and Related Accreditation Criteria. National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, DC, 2005:9. Mav Pardee, Program Manager Children’s Investment Fund One Center Plaza, Suite 350, Boston MA